You Should Watch One Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is filled with nods to the author's vast collection of tales. Beyond the clear links to the original story, the show showcases an explicit connection to King's famous novel via the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic King story that deserves a revisit.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, especially in contrast with much of King's other work, it is a haunting story of a innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. And it's that very penitentiary which is central in this context, as the Shawshank facility possesses considerable lore throughout King's stories β a tradition which persists within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we discover about the awful life at Shawshank State Prison and some of the inmates within, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who was convicted of armed robbery.
So far, however, the majority we have discovered about the prison has been through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy winds up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, then experiences beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by those in authority figures for his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered about the prison's inclusion via an early trailer for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn which character is probably destined for the prison.
Although it is known he did not responsible for the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the real killer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and killing kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him inside, knowing what is known about that prison indicates that his experience would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, though, this development could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring in the town that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and she just has her new group of friends to rely on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank has any say, she may be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.
